Give us a crash course in the history of your world
me, trying to make a world history up on the fly, whilst not contradicting stuff I made up on the fly 6 sessions ago
My favorite move there when someone points out thing that contradict is to say, “Yes. That’s what you were told.” Imply there’s something mysterious to uncover about why those facts don’t gel.
Alternatively: “I’m giving you the real history. That’s not what your character knows to be true!”
My favorite move there when someone points out thing that contradict is to say, “Yes. That’s what you were told.” Imply there’s something mysterious to uncover about why those facts don’t gel.
Ðis is how a lot of Elder Scrolls lore works
It’s pretty much a thankless job 80% of the time - which is why I have to take my joy from the act of creating something and NOT from the approval and appreciation of my players. It’s sad that it has to be like this, but it’s always been this way - at least in my experience.
After some of my sessions, a couple of players will say “thanks! That was fun!” It’s always the same ones.
I’m not sure if they’re being polite or if they’re legit enjoying it. I try to believe the latter.
I mean, they do keep coming back.
Though in my case, I run a game for a few family members. They have to come back!
I am one of those players. It’s not easy to keep my attention on the game, especially when playing online, but I do enjoy it a lot and am genuinely thankful for the game master making this possible.
If your players are not having fun, you’ll notice soon enough: it’s not easy to reserve a 3-hour timeslot regularly.
I like my friend’s approach, which is to be a sadistic mfer and finding new ways to torture his players every time.
This is part of my biggest problem with my current project. I desperately need someone to talk about the history and gods of this world (both for personal validation and for brainstorming) but it will still be a while until I can bring it to the table and talking to my players now would spoil some major plot points.
I think there are some World Building communities around. If none of your players use Lemmy, could be worth a look?
Do kinda wish there was a DM/GM Workshop comm, though. Place to talk world building, creature and NPC design, all the fun bits that happen behind the screen.
At least one of my players is on Lemmy and even somewhat active in this community (say hi if you read this).
You know what, maybe I’ll open just a DM workshop community on here and put in the effort to post what I have so far. Currently, my notes are fully in German and structured in a way that’s not easy to put in a linear thread but I’ll try.
Maybe ask them to block your account? That would keep them from seeing anything you talk about, though it’d also block any other communication here if that’s a problem.
Could also just call their character out in whatever post you create, if they can be trusted to stay out then.
Is there an equivalent community for r/DMAcademy anywhere? I feel like that would be the perfect place for these kinds of discussions!
Ironically, the most active rpg community here is the meme one, but you could definitely use the main !rpg@ttrpg.network to discuss World building and GM techniques
Posting it here again so you get a notification: I opened one at !DMWorkshop@ttrpg.network
Alright, I opened a new community at !DMWorkshop@ttrpg.network and posted at least a rough outline with more to come. Come on over.
Subscribed! :D
one, show up, please, on time please, but not like 3 hours early…
two, if you want food, bring food you want. if my snack supplies don’t suit your palette… that’s not my problem to solve.
three, for gygax’s sake remember, it’s a game, a game, it’s got chutes and ladders yo, it’s not the instant gratification machine some think it is.
So Stamets, give us a crash course in the history of your world
Yeah…
What’s fun is getting two or more forever DMs to be players.
Because then the game becomes gloriously collaborative.
Then there is the Vampire player,
If you ask them about their character backstory, they’ll be ultra-happy and tell you about your character until dawn
What happens after dawn?
I’m at the point where I just use Faerûn. Maybe 10% of modern players know anything about it outside of 2 cities in a small region.
